Memorandum from James Webb to President Harry S. Truman, with Attachment

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT May BUREAU OF THE BUDGET WASHINGTON, 25, D.C. DEC 2 71948 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Remodeling and modernization of the Executive Mansion When the 1950 estimates for the Federal Works Agency were under consideration a tentative figure of $750,000 was approved for inclusion in the Budget as a 1949 supplemental for remodeling and modernizing the Executive Mansion. This figure was determined without the benefit of detailed engineer- ing inspection of the structure. Within the last two weeks it has been possible to make a reasonably thorough examination and conditions appear to be far more serious than originally expected. Commissioner Reynolds has now advised the Bureau that at least $4 million wi 11 be required to put the Mansion in good con- dition. This amount does not cover any work on the east wing, or new construction at the west end. The consulting engineers, together with engineers of the Public Buildings Administration, have found that the interior walls have settled and pulled away from the outside walls, and that there are substantial cracks in some sections of the outer walls. They find that it will be necessary to underpin the outside walls and to provide proper footings and foundations for interior bearing walls. This will require excavation to a depth of approximately 20 feet. Such excava- tion will permit the addition of a basement to the structure, a portion of which would be used for the air-conditioning equipment. Everything below the third floor, with the exception of the frame of the first floor, must be removed. This will require the complete shoring of the first and third floors while the work is being done. The engineers have conferred with two reputable contractors, who confirm the findings above. Expenditures covering the work would be spread over three fiscal years - $300,000 in 1949; $3,600,000 in 1950; and $100,000 in 1951, and are included in the 1950 Budget. Jane Director E. TROMAN Webb SERVICE